How many times can a heart be broken?

Abstract

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome, 'broken heart' syndrome or takotsubo cardiomyopathy are different names of the same condition, with the number of reported cases increasing. It mimics an acute myocardial infarction, with extensive ventricular dysfunction, with minimal cardiac enzyme elevation and without significant coronary disease found with angiography. It has been linked to acute emotional or physical stress, hence the name stress-induced cardiomyopathy. This syndrome can be recurrent, as illustrated in this case report.